Reuse Data

Existing research data can be used in increasingly diverse ways to extend the findings of previous research as well as address new research questions. The way you can reuse the data will depend on a number of factors:

• licensing and reuse terms for any dataset
• consent of the original participants
• relative risk of re-identification of participants if you are combining data sources
• quality of the metadata and documentation to support the understanding of the data
• availability of the software or code used to create the data
• ability to open the files and possibly convert the formats

Additional checks will need to occur if you are obtaining identifiable data. Ensure the transfer, management and storage have been considered through a data management plan and ethical review before obtaining the data.

Secondary analysis will vary according to the nature of the data and you’ll need to plan your methodology carefully.